As the temp goes up, so does your energy costs. To keep your AC expenses controlled you might be thinking, is it cheaper to leave your AC on all day in the summer in Winnipeg?

It’s a popular belief that turning your air conditioner on and off throughout the day is a waste of energy. This is actually false.

Keeping your air conditioner on all the time means you’re not using it very efficiently. We advise adjusting your thermostat higher when you’re away, and turning it back down when you get back. You can do this with a programmable thermostat. Or, a smart thermostat will do the work for you.

It’s considerably more taxing for your system to stay at a consistent setting throughout the day. It can also cause a lot of wear and tear to your equipment, since it’s repeatedly turning on and off.

So, on top of it increasing your utility bills, it may also result in a shortened life span for your air conditioner.

No matter what, the bigger the difference between your house’s temperature and the outside temperature, the greater your air conditioning expenses will be. So, what can you do to keep cool and keep your energy bills low in the summer? Here are our ideas based on recommendations from the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

Six Approaches to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Tweak Your Thermostat. The DOE affirms that you can conserve up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning up your thermostat 7-10 degrees when you’re out. During the summer, it’s suggested to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 88 degrees when you’re away. It’s additionally important to forgo setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your AC. This doesn’t actually cool down your house any sooner, it just causes bigger energy bills. While these temperatures could appear high, there are a number of methods to keep cooler without having to constantly run the AC unit.
  2. Take Advantage of Fans, Curtains and Blinds. ENERGY STAR says turning up the thermostat by only 2 degrees and using your ceiling fan can decrease energy by up to 14% over the course of the summer. It’s important to be mindful that that fans cool people, not areas. So, when you leave the room, turn the fan off to conserve energy. Furthermore, keeping blinds down and curtains shut throughout the day helps keep cool air inside. There are also some window treatments designed to deliver additional insulation and increase energy efficiency.
  3. Properly Seal All Doors, Windows and Openings. Leaky cracks throughout a home enable conditioned air to rapidly slip out and the heat to get within. This could lead to your AC equipment needing to work harder to keep your residence comfortable and your utility bills to rise. Check that any openings, doors and windows are properly sealed. Caulking or weather-stripping are simple fixes for leaks or drafts around windows and doors.
  4. Plan for Regular Maintenance. Scheduling air conditioner maintenance ensures your system is always functioning at its most efficient. This permits our experts to spot simple issues before they result in substantial dilemmas. A clean air conditioner is typically more efficient and might even last for a longer period of time.
  5. Invest in a Smart Thermostat. One of the greatest methods to ensure comfort and efficiency is with a smart thermostat. This thermostat instinctively adjusts the temperature based on your everyday schedule. It works along with your smartphone to know when you’re in your home or out to maximize your energy efficiency. In fact, ENERGY STAR mentions that a smart thermostat could actually save you about $180 per year on HVAC costs.
  6. Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner. You can foresee a properly taken care of AC to live for 15-20 years. But if you’re frequently calling us for air conditioning repair or your AC bills are rising with no change in thermostat settings, it might be time for a replacement. We offer many energy-efficient air conditioners, such as ENERGY STAR models that can help you save more on cooling without compromising comfort.

Enhance Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning

No one wants to see their energy bill climb during the warmer months. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your energy usage and costs low this summer, our pros can help. Give us a call at 204-272-8128 or contact us online today for extra info.